Ebola is a severe, often deadly disease that is caused by the Ebola virus. Symptoms of Ebola most commonly begin 8-10 days after coming into contact with the Ebola virus, but symptoms can occur anywhere between 2 and 21 days after exposure.

Symptoms of Ebola include: fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, lack of appetite, and abnormal bleeding. These symptoms are not specific to Ebola and are often seen with other illnesses.

Where is the current outbreak occurring?

The current outbreak of Ebola began in December 2013. The countries most affected by Ebola are Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. Each of these countries has had hundreds of cases of the disease. However, cases have decreased dramatically in all 3 of these countries since 2014.

On May 9, 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the Ebola outbreak in Liberia. Since that time, Liberia has seen sporadic cases of Ebola but no longer has a sustained outbreak. Sierra Leone and Guinea are still considered to have an active outbreak at this time.

Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Spain, and the United States have also seen cases of Ebola, but these countries do not have a sustained outbreak and have not seen any cases for several months. Each of these countries has controlled the transmission of disease.

How is Ebola spread?

Ebola is spread by direct contact with blood or other body fluids (vomit, diarrhea, urine, saliva, sweat, breast milk, semen) of an infected person who has symptoms of Ebola or has recently died of Ebola.

It can also be spread on objects or surfaces contaminated with the body fluids of an infected person, such as clothing or bedding that have not been cleaned.

Ebola is not spread through food, water, or the air.

Who can spread Ebola to others?

For a person to spread Ebola to others, they must have

Been in an area within the last 21 days where Ebola disease is occurring
AND

Been in contact with the blood or body fluids of a person with Ebola or who has died from Ebola
AND

Developed Ebola symptoms

Only patients experiencing symptoms can transmit the virus.Ebola cannot be spread to other people before symptoms begin.

Is there a risk of getting Ebola in Illinois?

The risk of becoming infected with Ebola in Illinois is extremely low. At present, there have been no reports of Ebola cases in Illinois. IDPH, along with local health departments and local hospitals, continues to monitor for cases of Ebola.

Who is at risk of getting Ebola?

Healthcare providers caring for Ebola patients and the family and friends in close contact with Ebola patients are at the highest risk of getting sick because they may come in contact with the blood or body fluids of sick patients.

Ebola can spread within clinics or hospitals if doctors and nurses do not use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, gowns, masks etc.) correctly. It is important to properly dispose of clothing or bedding that has come into contact with an Ebola patient.

People that touch the dead bodies of patients that died of Ebola may also be at risk.